Pulp-forming machine



E. P. KENNEDY PULP FORMING MACHINE Jan. 1, 1929.

5 Sheds-Sheet l Filed 000 INVENTOR.

Jan. 1,1929. 1,697,244

- E. F. KENNEDY PULP FORMING MACHINE Filed Oct. 26, 1927 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Q m a; Z N

INVENTOR.

BY I g: 20%02NEYS.

Jan. 1, 1929. 1,697,244

E. P. KEN NEDY PULP FORMING MACHINE} Filed Oct. 26, 1927 s Sheets-Sheet 3 35 j fi 4 r W 23 ATTORNEYS.

IN V EN TOR.

Patented Jan. 1, 1929.

UNITED STATES EUGENE P. KENNEDY, OF SAN FRANGISCO, CALIFORNIA.

PULP-FORMIN G MACHINE.

Application filed. October 26, 1927. Serial No. 228,766.

Thisinvention relates to a machine whereby articles such as paper cups, bottles, pie plates, berry baskets and the like may be formed from wet paper pulp or analogous materials, and particularly to improvements on the structure shown in Patent No. 1,621,- 671, entitled Pulp forming machine, issued to Keenan et al., March 22, 1927.

The machine shown in the patent above referred to is of the rotary type. It consists of an annular rim. or drum composed of a series of molds. These molds are successively adapted to submerge during continuous rotation in a pulp vat and are subjected to a suction action when a coating of pulp is'applied. Each mold is provided with means for trappingwater admitted during the application of the ulp. -Each mold is .provlded with means or automatically. draining the water therefrom, and means are further provided whereby the pulp may be dried directly on the molds and automatically ejected when dry.

Actual practice has established the fact that a continuous pressure or strain on the fibers of the pulp from the-time of application until completion is of great importance as a solid, dense and comparatively smoothly finished pulp article is thereby obtained, i. e., a partial vacuum is maintained within the molds which first causes the pulp to be applied While the molds pass through the pulp vat, and secondly, causes warm air to pass through the pulp during the drying operation, the diflt'erence between the partial vacuum maintained and the atmospheric pressure being the total pressure exerted on the pulp fiber. The pressure should be continuous and uninterrupted from the time of application until completion. It is, however, interrupted during the period when the water is drained from the molds. This interruption momentarily releases the strain on the pulp fiber and the density of the final product is accordingly not as great as might be, desired.

The machine forming the subject matter of the present application, on the other hand, is so constructed that the pressure maintained is continuous and uninterrupted from the time of application until completion and a superior product is, accordingly, obtained. The object of the present invention is to generally improve and simplify the construction and operation of machines of the character described; to provide means whereby a continuous uninterrupted pressure orstrain' may be maintained on the pulp fiber from the time of application until completion; to propartial vacuum during the application and drying of the pulp and then'subjected to air pressure so as to automatically eject the dried and completed pulp article; and further to provide an auxiliary roller mechan1sm whereb-y the smoothness and finish of certam pulp articles may be improved. The pulp forming machine is shown by way of illustration in the accompanying drawings in which:

1 is a front view of the machine,

Flg. 2 is an enlarged detail front view of the pulp finishing roller,

, Fig. 3 is an end view of the same showing the roller in engagement with the rim or edge of a pulp article,

Fig. 4: is a rear view of the pulp forming machine, said view being shown partially broken away and partially in section,

Fig. 5 is an end view of the pulp forming machine, said view being shown partially in section,

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of the split pulley, showing a mold and housing in section, and also the-hot air supply housing,

Fig. 7 is an enlarged front view of the valve mechanism, said view being shown partially broken away and partially in section,

Fig. 8 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the air blast portion of the .valve mechamsm.

Referring to the drawings in detail and particularly Fig. 1, A indi cates the main frame in the form of a pair of pedestals, u on which are mounted bearing members 2 an 3. J ournaled in said bearings is a shaft 4:WhlCh may be-continuously rotated in any suitable manner, as for instance through means of a pulley 5. Secured on the shaft and adapted to be rotated thereby is a split, pulley consisting of spokes 6 and a rim 7 Secured to the outer face of the rim by bolts or the like as indicated at 8 is a plurality of mold housin s B.

'These mold housings are substantially oxshaped as shown in Figs. 4 and 6 and are provided with'open faces for the reception of the molds generally indicated at 9. These molds may be constructed in any suitable manner. It should, accordingly, be sufiicient to state that they are constructed of perforated fine mesh to permit pulp to collect on the metal, wire mesh or the like of a sufiiciently H exterior surface when a suction action is applied. The rim 7 of the pulley, together with the molds secured exteriorly thereof forms a rotor or drum which is continuously rotated by means of the shaft 4. A pulp Vat G is disposed below the drum into which pulp is continuously delivered from any suitable source and as the drum rotates, the molds will be successively submerged therein. At the time of submersion, a suction action is applied to the molds and they are coated with a layer of pulp. This suction action is continued as the molds leave the pulp vat and dry, warm air will then flow through the pulp and the molds as the molds will register with a channel-shaped annular housing D to which warm air is supplied from any suitable source by means of a pipe 10. This housing extends from the point 11 to the point 12. r The pulp articles are completely dry when the point 12 is reached. The suction is cut off at this point and a moment thereafter an air blast is applied which ejects the articles into a discharge chute 13. The entire operation is automatic and is controlled by a simple form of valve mechanism which is best illustrated in Figs. 4, 5, 7 and 8. The valve consists of an annular plates 15 secured to the shaft 4 by means of spokes and a hub member '16. Formed in the plate 15 is a plurality of ports 17 (see Fig. 7) and connected therewith are radially disposed pipes 18, there being one pipe for each mold. The inner ends of the pipes connect with the port 17 while their outer ends are connected with the mold housings as shown at 19. The plate 15 cooperates with a stationary valve housing generally indicated at 20. This housing is concentric with relation to the driving shaft 4 and surrounds the same. It is connected with a suction pipe 21 and is in fact supported thereby, as the pipe is in turn supported by a bracket 22 from one of the pedestals A. The stationary portion of the valve housing indicated at 20 is ring-shaped when viewed from the end. In cross-section it is substantially semi-circular, as shown in Figs. 5 and 8. A continuous passage 23 is formed within the housing and this passage communicates with the ports 17 through means of a substantially continuous port or slot 24 (see Figs. 5 and 7). This port is, however, blanked off at the point indicated at 25 for purposes hereinafter to be described,

. but it is otherwise open and continuous from the points indicated at 26 and 27 and as the port 17 registers therewith, each mold will be subjected to a continuous suction action from the point 26 to the point 27 which represents substantially seven-eighths of a revolution of the drum. The remalning one-eighth of the revolution indicated by the blanked off portion 25 which extends between the points 26 and 27 represents the period from shutting off the vacuum until submergence of forms. The air blast mechanism is best shown in Figs. 7

and 8. It consists of a pipe 30 which is rigidly secured in the stationary portion 20 of the valve at the points 31 and 33, the member 31 forming a support for a valve seat member 32, whilethe member 33 forms a packing gland through which extends a pipe 34. The outer end of the packing gland is enlarged as at 35 and is capped over, asat 36. A collar is formed on the pipe 34 and a spring 37 is interposed between the collar and the cap. The inner end of the pipe 34 is connected with the valve seat member 32 and this in turn contacts or engages with the face of a disc valve 15, being held against said face by the pressure of the spring 37. The pipe 34 is connected with a suitable source of air supply under pressure through means of a hose or the like indicated at 38. The valve member is provided with a central port 39. This registers with the ports 17 as they pass by one by one. and air under pressure is thus deliveired to each mold during the ejecting pe- I'10( In actual operation, the ports 17 of'the valve disc pass by the blanked off portion 25 the moment the molds become submerged in V the pulp tank. They are thus brought into ranged long port 24 of the stationary valve housing 20 and a suction action will be propipe 10 from any suitable source and a continuous flow of warm air will thus pass through the pulp and molds during the entire period that the molds register with the housing, this period being sufficiently long to insure complete setting and drying of the pulp fiber. As each mold reaches the discharge chute 13, register between the ports 17 andthe port 39 of the valve seat member 32 is made. Air under pressure is thus delivered to each mold in suction and the pressure thus exerted blows off or ejects the completed and'dried pulp article directly into the discharge chute from where they may be removed in any suitable manner. The entire operation of forming the pulp articles'is thus continuously and automatic and an improved, high grade pulp article is obtained, as the continuous suction maintained during the application and drying of the pulp causes a continuous pressure to be exerted on the pulp fiber, thus preventing disarrangement of the same during the applying and drying period. The pulp'layer obtained is thus dense and solid and a smooth communication with the circumferentially arsame, the desired finish is applied. .The'

roller is preferably supported by rocker arms 41 pivoted on a shaft 42. An adjustable arm 43 is engaged by an adjusting nut 44. This, together with a spring 45 regulates the pressure of the rolleron the pulp and to that ex- 7 tent prevents rolling out or displacement of the pulp.

It should be understood that numerous pulp forms may be applied to the-housings B. A mold for the formation of berry baskets or the like is illustrated in the present instance (see the numeral 46 in Fig. The roller 40 is in that instance merely employed to impart a finish to the edge of the basket, but its'utility will be more apparent where pie plates or articles presenting flat surfaces are being made. It should also be understood that various changesmay be resorted to within the scope of the appended claims. Similarly, that the materials and finishes of the several parts employed may be such as the manufac turer may decide or varying conditions or uses may demand.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. A method of forming pulp articles which consists in passing a mold first through a pulp vat-and secondly through a drying time of application of chamber and maintaining a continuous suction on the mold during its passage through the pulp vat and drying chamber so as to maintain a constant and uniform pressure on the pulp fibers during the application of the pulp and durin the drying of the same.

2. A metho of forming pulp articles which consists in passing a mold first through a pulp vat and secondly through adrying chamber and maintaining a continuous suction on the mold during its passage through the pulp vat and drying chamber so as to maintain a constant and uniform pressure on the pulp fibers during the application of the pulp and during the drying of the same, and then ejecting the molded pulp art1cle when completely dried by applying air pressure to the mold.

3. In a machine of the character described, a rotor, a mold attached thereto, a pulp vat, a drying chamber, and means for ma1nta1n ing a continuous suction on the mold'during its passage through the pulp vat and the dryingchamber so as to maintain a continuous exterior pressure on the pulp fibers from the tion of the drying.

the pulp to the comple-.

4. In a machine of the character described,

a rotor, a mold-attached thereto, a pulp yat, a

drying chamber, means for maintaining a continuous suction on the mold during its passage through the pulp vat and the drying chamber so as to mainta'ina continuous exterior pressure on the pulp fibers from the time of application of the pulp to the completion of the drying, and means for delivering air under pressure to the interior of the mold so as to' exert sufficient pressure to eject the pulp article when dried. Y

5. In a machine of the character described, a rotor, a fixed mold thereon mounted for movement through a pulp tank and a drying chamber, means for maintaining a continuous suction on the mold, first to apply a coating of pulp when the mold passes through the pulp tank and secondly to draw warm air through the pulp and mold during its passage through the drying chamber, said suction maintaining a continuous uniform pressure on the pulp fiber during the application and the dryin of the pulp, and means for ejecting the dried pulp article when the mold leaves the drying chamber.

6. A pulp forming machine comprising a mold, means for causing said mold to travel through a. pulp applying station, a drying station and an ejecting station, suction means for applying pulp directly to the face of the mold from a. bulk supply in the first-named station and for maintaining a continuous flow of warm, dry air through the pulp and the mold as they pass through the drying station, and means for supplying air under pressure within the mold when it reaches the ejecting station to discharge the dried and completed pulp article, said suction means permitting the pulp to remain undisturbed on the mold face from the time t-he'pulp is applied and formed until it is completely dried and ejected.

7 In a device of the character described, a

a rotor, a plurality of molds positioned circumferentially' thereof, a plurality of radial.-

ly disposed pipes connected at their outertaneously with a plurality of valve disc ports, means connecting the valve housing with a vacuum pump so as to maintain a continuous suction action-simultaneously on a plurality of molds, and an air blast pipe adaptedto deliver compressed air to the disc valve ports, one at a time.

8. In a device. of the character described, a

rotor, a plurality-of molds positioned circumn ferentially thereof, a plurality of radially disposed pipes connected at their outer ends with the respective molds, a valve disc adapted to rotate in unison with the rotor, said disc having a plurality of ports formed therein, one for each mold and connected with the inner ends of the respective pipes, a stationary valve housing with which the valve disc cooperates, said valve housing having a circumferentially arranged long port formed therein adapted to register simultaneously with a plurality of valve disc ports, means connecting the valve housing with alvacuum pump so as to maintain a continuous suction action simultaneously on a plurality of molds, a blanked ofl' portion in the stationary valve housing, a ported valve seatmember mounted in the blanked oil portion and contacting with the rotary valve disc, and a compressed air delivery pipe connected with the valve seat member and adapted to deliver ablast of compressed air, through the port formed thereinfinto each disc valve port and connected mold as they pass the port in the valve seat member.

9. In a device of the character described, a rotor, a plurality of molds positioned circumferentially thereof, a plurality of radially disposed pipes connected at their outer ends with the respective molds, a valve disc adapted to rotate in unison with the rotor, said disc having a plurality of ports formed therein, one for each mold and connected with the in ner ends of the respective pipes, a stationary valve housing with which the valve disc cooperates, said valve housing having a circumferentially arranged long port formed therein adapted to register simultaneously with a plurality of valve disc port-s, means connecting the valve housing with a vacuum pump so as to maintain a continuous suction action simultaneously on a plurality of molds, a blanked oft portion in the valve housing, a resiliently supported valve seat member mounted in the blanked off portion and contacting with the rotary valve disc, and a compressed air delivery pipe connected with the valve seat member and adapted to deliver a blast of air therethrough into each port of the disc valve as the ports pass the valve seat member during rotation of the disc valve.

10. In a machine of the character described, a mold, means for causing said mold to travel through a pulp vat, means for applying a suction to the mold to cause pulp to adhere thereto, and means for passing the mold with the applied pulp under a roller to impart a finishing surface to the pulp.

11. In a machine of the character described, a mold, means for causing said mold to travel through a pulp vat, means for applying a suction to the mold to cause pulp to adherethereto, means for passing the mold with the applied pulp under a roller to impart a finishing surface to the pulp, and means whereby the pressure of the roller on the pulp may be regulated.

EUGENE P. KENNEDY. 

